Album Notes

From a small town in the Blue Ridge mountains of western North Carolina, we hear the talents of guitarist Larry Keith in a solo performance of inspirational songs. " I've idolized Doc Watson all of my life" he will tell you. "I heard Doc say once to keep the melody simple with the guitar so people could tell what you're playing." Larry has given these traditional hymns a " new life " by combining the simplicity of familiar, sacred strains with a unique combination of colorful chords.

" One of the most moving arrangements of In the Garden I've ever heard. . . haunting !" is what public radio announcers at WNCW radio call it. Other broadcast professionals around the Tarheel State say that '. . .it's simply beautiful; not as orchestrated as Tony Rice's "Crossing" but every bit as nice ."

There are three original songs on this project that Larry says were gifts from above. The title-cut, Travelin Angel is an up-tempo song that has a gentle but moving beat that makes you want to pat your feet and snap your fingers . . .traveling music if you will. "Movement of Faith" has an easy feel to it; a tender melody line that listeners will love and remember long after the CD has ended. His last entry is also his producer Terry Wetton's favorite of all. Prayer from the Cove is another instance of where less is more. Only one guitar with no other accompaniment it swells with meaning and conviction. Titled after Larry's favorite retreat, Cade's Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Prayer from the Cove replicates a spiritual quietness, perhaps even a stillness that invites us into a time of meditation and thanksgiving.

Larry recently performed "Come Thou Fount"and"Just As I Am" as a special dedication that is available for viewers to see on YouTube.com.After hearing Travelin Angel,he was descibed in a recent major music publication as "..like being on the front porch with friends,the conversation slows and everyone is silently listening to him play the guitar and watching the night settle in the Blue Ridge Mountains.Larry hardly depends on flash.His playing is straightforward,easy to follow with distintive rhythms and most interesting,he can make simple arrangements fresh."

Performed with a respect and reverence that can only be found in rural Appalachia, Travelin' Angel is a genuine gift of hope and inspiration from a North Carolina guitar man that is being recognized with an entry into three catagories of nomination for the 2007 Grammy Awards.